Determine if Continuous M(x)=(x-1)/(9x^2-16)
The question asks you to examine the continuity of a mathematical function M(x), which is defined by the expression (x-1)/(9x^2-16). You are likely expected to determine whether the function M(x) is continuous for all values of x, and if not, to identify the values of x at which the function is not continuous. To address the problem, you would typically investigate points where the denominator is zero (since dividing by zero is undefined) and analyze the behavior of M(x) around those points to see if the function approaches a finite limit.
Identify the domain to check the continuity of the function.
To find the points of discontinuity, equate the denominator of
Determine the values of
Isolate
Divide the equation
Perform the division:
Reduce the left-hand side of the equation.
Eliminate the common factor of
Simplify to
Extract the square root of both sides to solve for
Simplify the square root expression
Express the square root as a fraction:
Simplify the numerator.
Express
Extract terms from under the radical:
Simplify the denominator.
Express
Extract terms from under the radical:
Combine the positive and negative solutions to find the complete solution.
Use the positive value from
Use the negative value from
The complete solution includes both positive and negative values:
The domain consists of all
Given that the domain excludes certain real numbers, the function
Domain of a Function: The set of all possible input values (usually 'x') for which the function is defined. A function is continuous if it is defined and uninterrupted for all values in its domain.
Continuity: A function is continuous at a point if the limit as it approaches the point from both sides equals the function's value at that point. A function is continuous over an interval if it is continuous at every point in that interval.
Discontinuity: A point where a function is not continuous. Discontinuities can occur where the function is not defined (such as division by zero) or where the limit does not exist.
Solving Quadratic Equations: A quadratic equation in the form
Difference of Squares: A binomial in the form
Interval Notation: A mathematical notation used to represent an interval on the real number line. It uses parentheses '()' for open intervals and brackets '[]' for closed intervals.
Set-Builder Notation: A notation used to describe a set by stating the properties that its members must satisfy. For example,
Square Roots: The square root of a number 'a' is a value 'b' such that
Rationalizing the Denominator: The process of eliminating radicals from the denominator of a fraction by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by an appropriate value that will make the denominator rational.